Sculptor Sutton Demlong on Inspiration, Growing Up in Tempe, and His Wicket Project for Downtown's Croquet Tournament

Mallets and forks up, Phoenix! Chow Bella and Roosevelt Row present the third annual Pie Social and Croquet Tournament on Saturday, November 3, from 2 to 6 p.m. on Roosevelt Row in downtown Phoenix. Chow Bella's profiling the all-star line up of pie-makers, and from now til Pie Social, we'll introduce the artists creating wickets for the Croquet Tournament, one by one. Up today: Sutton Demlong

Sutton Demlong has lived in Tempe his whole life, which he says has "cultivated an intense appreciation for travel."

After what he describes as a listless childhood and adolescence, he says he finally discovered his passion after entering the world of art.

Although Demlong is not sure exactly where yet, he plans on pursuing an MFA in sculpture after graduating from ASU with degrees in art education and sculpture.

When you aren't sculpting you're probably...

When I'm not sculpting I'm usually wishing I was. But besides that I use any excuse possible to get out of the city and I enjoy reading.

Three major inspirations or influences?

Although this may not be reflected in my work, Louise Bourgeois is a huge inspiration for me because of her attitude toward art. Bruce Beasely's work and the constructivist movement have had the largest influence on my current body of work.

Since the theme is Alice in Wonderland, if you could be any character in the World of Alice in Wonderland who would it be and why?

If I were to be any character in Alice in Wonderland it would be the White Rabbit. This wouldn't necessarily be my choice, but I think it is the most fitting because I always feel a bit frantic and late.

Most preferred materials or medium to work with when sculpting?

I work mostly with steel and wood, but I will use whatever material best fits my concept. I am currently about to begin experimenting with making my own mylar balloons.

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